West Virginia will receive $199.5 million annually for the next five years under the Rural Health Transformation Program, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Monday.
The West Virginia Hospital Association praised Governor Patrick Morrisey for securing the funding, which totals nearly $1 billion over five years.
“We are grateful for Governor Morrisey’s visionary leadership in securing these critical resources for West Virginia’s rural healthcare system,” said Jim Kaufman, president and CEO of the West Virginia Hospital Association. “This nearly $1 billion investment over five years represents a transformational opportunity to address longstanding challenges in rural healthcare delivery.”
The funding comes through the $50 billion RHTP initiative established under President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. All 50 states will receive awards under the program.
The funds, available starting in 2026, will support five priorities:
- Bringing more care within reach of rural communities
- Strengthening and sustaining the rural clinical workforce
- Modernizing rural health infrastructure and technology
- Driving structural efficiency and empowering community providers
- Advancing innovative care models and payment reform
Morrisey has already begun hiring staff within the Department of Health to administer the program, according to the press release. Funds will be allocated through a combination of direct state awards and competitive grants.
“The WVHA looks forward to working collaboratively with Governor Morrisey, the Legislature, and the Department of Health on the implementation of this historic program,” Kaufman said. “The state’s community hospitals stand ready to partner in developing innovative solutions that will ensure every West Virginian has access to quality healthcare, regardless of where they live.”
Kaufman noted that while the program presents a significant opportunity, the association will continue working with Congress to address pending Medicaid cuts included in the legislation.
“When fully implemented, these cuts will reduce federal Medicaid funding to West Virginia by more than $1 billion annually,” Kaufman said.
